Lecture Notes: Human and Social Biology Overview

Cellular Organization

• Basic Unit of Life: Cell
  • Contains organelles: nucleus, mitochondrion
  • Specialized/Differentiated Cells: perform specific functions (e.g., sperm cells with flagella)
• Hierarchy of Biological Organization:
  • Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism
• Animal vs. Plant Cells
  • Animal cells: irregular shape, contain nucleus, mitochondria, cytoplasm, cell membrane
  • Plant cells: regular shape, contain chloroplasts and cell wall (absent in animal cells)
  • Specialized cells: Red blood cells, sperm cells, neurons, epithelial cells

Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi

• Viruses: Non-living, pathogenic, contain protein coat with DNA/RNA
• Bacteria: Some beneficial, contain nucleoid region, plasmids, cell walls
• Fungi: Similar to plants, no chloroplasts, reproduce by budding

Photosynthesis

• Process of converting inorganic molecules (CO2, water) into glucose using sunlight
• Formula: Carbon Dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen

Carbon Cycle

• Processes: Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, fossilization, combustion
• Impact on Humans: Climate change, sea level rise, coral bleaching
• Mitigation: Reforestation, alternate energy, carbon taxes

Nervous System

• Components: Central Nervous System (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• Neurons: Motor, sensory, and interneurons
• Reflexes: Involuntary responses, can be conditioned

Human Brain and Eye

• Brain: Cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, hypothalamus, pituitary gland
• Eye Anatomy: Cornea, pupil, lens, retina, optic nerve
• Vision Issues: Myopia, hypermetropia, glaucoma

Hormones and Endocrine System

• Key Hormones: ADH, adrenaline, growth hormone, insulin, estrogen
• Endocrine vs Nervous System: Transmission speed, duration of effect

Reproduction

• Types: Asexual vs. Sexual
• Male & Female Systems: Testes, scrotum, ovaries, fallopian tubes
• Pregnancy & Birth: Hormones, pregnancy structures (placenta, amnion)

Health and Disease

• Definitions: Health, disease (communicable vs non-communicable)
• Categories: Physiological, mental, chronic, infectious, social, degenerative, deficiency, hereditary, lifestyle

Immunity

• Types: Natural active/passive, artificial active/passive
• Vaccines: Modes of action, advantages/disadvantages

Drug Abuse

• Types of Drugs: Stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, narcotics
• Alcohol and Cigarettes: Health and societal impact

Pollution

• Types: Domestic, industrial, agricultural
• Impact: Air, land, water pollution, effects on health and environment

Water and Waste Management

• Water Cycle: Evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation
• Sewage and Refuse Disposal: Proper techniques, effects of improper disposal

Environmental Issues

• Flooding, Disease, Food Security: Causes and consequences
• Economic Impact: Health costs, tourism, infrastructure

End of Lecture